Oak Lawn blaze claims woman, 2 others injured including firefighter

A 73-year-old woman was dead and two others were injured, including a firefighter, after a fire at a home in south suburban Oak Lawn, fire officials said.

The fire was reported shortly after 1:30 a.m. at a single-story home in the 10100 block of Lawrence Court, said Oak Lawn Fire Department Chief George Sheets.

As firefighters began battling the fire they rescued a woman in a hallway of the home who was acting as the caretaker of the woman who was later pronounced dead, said Sheets.

The deceased woman was identified as Kathryn Lomac, 73, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office. An autopsy is scheduled for Sunday, according to the office.

The caretaker was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in critical condition, Sheets said.

A short time later firefighters found the homeowner seated in a recliner chair in the living room of the home, said Sheets. The woman was found dead in the chair, Sheets said.

"There was a quick knock down by our firefighters," said Sheets.

He said that a firefighter was treated and released from the hospital after sustaining minor injuries.

Officials determined that the home did not have any working smoke detectors even though officials in the suburb have been trying to educate people about the importance of having smoke detectors. He said it was the first fatal fire in Oak Lawn in 10 years.

"We've been going door to door to ensure that families had properly working smoke detectors and giving out brochures and giving training classes. We take this very seriously," he said. "[A fatal fire] impacts not only the family but the firefighters, the friends, neighbors and the community as well."

He said that while the cause of the fire is under investigation by the state Fire Marshall the fire did not appear to be suspicious. He said the fire was contained to the living room area.

"I imagine that possibly both were overcome by smoke," said Sheets.

About 18 Oak Lawn firefighters were assisted by the area departments including, Alsip, North Palos, Evergreen Park and Hometown.